Chicago’s Best Meals to Share with Your Best Friends
Maple & Ash
The best meals are one you eat with those you love. They make even the most delicious dishes that little bit better, and sharing a meal can help create memories you won’t ever forget. And while there are plenty of unmissable restaurants across the city, there are only a few meals that are truly meant for sharing. You’ll need at least one extra pair of hands to take these babies down… And that’s where your best friends come in! Whether you call in that one special bestie who means the most to you, or plan on assembling a crew of your favorite people, these are the meals you should be digging into with your best friend at your side…
Maple & Ash 's“Don't Give a F*ck Menu”
Nobody should f * ck with your clique, but only you and your clique could truly f * ck with this menu. All you have to do is show up, and let the culinary wizards at Maple & Ash take the wheel. This menu will highlight the very best dishes they have to offer so you know every bite will be pure perfection.
Zeppo’s Meatball Achievement Sandwich from Tempesta Market
And the Southside Johnny Sandwich. Because the best way to tackle Tempesta Market it to pick a few different things and split them. That way you can try as much of their top notch goodness all in one go. But it’s key to go with a friend with the same taste as you… and someone you can trust to not take the bigger half of your sandwiches ;)
Prime & Provisions’ Seafood Tower
The steaks here are great (of course) but the Seafood Tower is a literal collases of flavor. It comes with all kinds of raw bar favorites, so partner up to take it down one favorite at a time. Pair it with bubbly, and your bestie, to make this first course extra special!
Gino's East Deep Dish Pizza
Sure, deep dish is the food Chicago is probably most famous for, but it’s not one that can be eaten solo. Although, if you have managed to finish an entire deep dish pizza in one sitting on your own, please message us on Instagram and tell us the story because you are a legendary eater! If you’re just a normal eater (like us) though, you’re going to need at least one extra set of hands to help you take down this pie. Call in your favorite reinforcements and get ready for a feast!
Porrón of Wine from Roots Pizza
Never tried a porrón before? Well, tilt your head back and get ready to enjoy! The team at Roots will pour the wine perfectly so that a thin stream of wine goes directly into your mouth, without your lips even coming close to the glass. It’s the most efficient and fun way to drink wine - especially if you’re sharing it with a group!
Three Dots and a Dash Cocktails
These drinks mean business! And they have group cocktails specifically made for sharing with all your party people. We love the Treasure Chest (because its served in a treasure chest of course) and the Bali Bali for an amazing night out to celebrate Chicago summer.
Chile con Queso from Lonesome Rose
This is our market editor’s (hi - it’s me) favorite queso in the city. And while you technically could finish the whole thing yourself, you might not have room for a burrito or their empanadas if you do that. And you’re definitely going to want to save room for those delicious dishes. So, order a round of margaritas and dig in to this fantastic queso with your pals. Then you’ll have plenty of room for more!
Chocolate Mousse Pie from Gibson’s Steakhouse
…and the Macadamia Turtle Pie from Gibson’s Steakhouse. Technically this is cheating because it’s two desserts but you must get both! Bring a friend, get yourself some steak and seafood, but always always always save room for dessert here. These pies are to die for!
Club Lucky’s Traditional Homemade Pasta Squares with Meatballs
Every pasta dish from this neighborhood Italian spot is amazing and decadent, and we could probably do a whole post just on this section of their menu. But the Homemade Pasta Squares are something special. Order them for the table to share so you can order yet another pasta dish for your own self - no sharing necessary!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor (and queso lover)